With a twist of my lips, I nod. “That’s the infamous vase. For thousands of years, I’ve been collecting the pieces, hoping to find them all and open the portals. Apologizing to my sister is all I’ve thought about since it happened.”
His eyes narrow, then he looks at me. “There must be hundreds of pieces.”
I flash a wry smile. “Guilt is the ultimate motivator.” Turning away from the vase that started it all, I close the secret panel and walk back to the door. “Coming?”
There’s a thoughtful expression on his face as he turns to follow me, but he’s silent as we step out.
After showing him how to bypass security on the door to the vault, I lead him outside. “That’s the entire tour. Feel free to make yourself at home.”
A chime sounds, and I pull my phone out. Damn. I forgot about my lesson. Canceling isn’t an option. If I don’t leave soon, I’ll be late.
“I’ve got a lesson. I’ll be back in a little over an hour.”
“Not without me,” he reminds me with a resolute expression on his face.
Exasperated, I stare at him. “I’m only going to the dojo for my lesson.” Pivoting, I walk toward the house, leaving him standing there, but he quickly catches up.
“Where you go, I go,” he states with steely determination.
Resigned, I quickly grab my stuff, including my car keys, and stalk back to the garage with him following me the entire time. As he gets into the passenger side, I look over at him. “My lesson usually lasts an hour, but there are shops around the dojo if you get bored.”
He merely nods, but I don’t like the look in his eyes.
Thirty minutes later, I walk out of the ladies’ locker room to join my teacher on the mat. Maverick found him for me years ago. With black tousled hair, black eyes, and a smile that screams wicked intent, Agos is sin incarnated. He’s also extremely proficient in the art of combat and has taught me every trick and move I know.
He flicks a glance from Gatlin to me and raises an arrogant eyebrow.
“Gatlin, this is Agos,” I say, introducing the two of them.
The minute Gatlin sees him, a scowl appears.
Agos eyes narrow as he studies Gatlin. “A gryphon, hmm. So, how do you know the beautiful Phaedra?”
Gatlin’s eyes are locked on him when he answers. “We met a few months ago. Been together ever since.”
“Really? Is that right, darling?” Agos drawls mischievously as he winks at me. Curiosity burns in the dark depths of his eyes, but thankfully, he keeps his thoughts to himself.
With a roll of my eyes, I don’t answer, simply turn and show Gatlin where to sit, which he promptly ignores, choosing instead to stand on the sidelines, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the two of us.
Ignoring him, I join Agos on the mat, where he jumps into the lesson with a vengeance. Instead of his usual calm approach, he attacks without mercy. Almost like he’s got something to prove.
“Heard you were on a quest for the gods,” Agos murmurs, maneuvering around me to land a blow to the back of my knees. I slam into the mat for the twentieth time.
“Damn, that one hurt,” I grunt, blowing my hair out of my eyes. “Let me guess…Maverick told you?”
He pulls me off the ground and squeezes my hand. “Charlie too. They’re worried about you. And if they’re worried, it’s bad. You need to be prepared for anything. Maybe we should increase our lessons?”
I shake my head. “No time. Besides, you’ve been kicking my butt for a couple hundred years. If I haven’t learned by now, I doubt I ever will.”
Instead of smiling, his mouth flattens. “If you need anything, call me. I’ll be there. So will Riv.” He looks at Gatlin. “Why don’t we call it a day? Someone doesn’t look too happy. At least I know you’ve got one hell of a bodyguard.”
I look over at Gatlin. His face is hewn in granite with not an ounce of emotion showing, but his eyes glow a deep gold. Maybe I should tell Agos that Gatlin is more than just security, but a little kernel of hope remains. Who knows what’s between us. I don’t. Honestly, I doubt he does either. So, I reach up and place a kiss on Agos’ cheek.
“Thank you for the lesson and the offer.”
Walking over to Gatlin, I smile up at him. “Ready to go?”
Without taking his eyes from Agos, he nods. “Past ready.”
